Op-Shop Loving Part Two: Nook Vintage

Melbourne loves op-shops.  I guess in this chilly, black-thread ridden state we like to standout and be unique.  We’re proud of producing an outfit that is so wrong, it’s right.  Rachel from Nook Vintage explains why Melbourne is obsessed with op-shops and what story it allows you to tell.

Rachel believes op-shops have caught our attention because “so many amazing clothes and styles have been forged in the last 100 years.  We get to look back, objectively, and take one thing and mix it with another”.

“I think we are now looking for something more honest, special and unique in our own style.”

The op-shop phenomenon shows how people have decided to express themselves by turning to nostalgia when they prepare an outfit.   Rachel also believes that for some people it’s “a counter-culture from mass production, [to get away from] the same/same modernity of the last 5-10 years in fashion”.

It isn’t a new idea to say fashion is constantly changing and there is always a new trend.  At the moment the 60s and the Victorian era are the new hybrid that every fashion magazine and celebrity is adorning.

The vintage and op-shop world is not divorced from these trends.  So, how do you source clothes for a shop that relies on pre-loved and used clothes, but still complies with the trends?

“I am always looking and searching for new pieces to keep the store fresh and new.  You must keep your sources a secret; but the more you look, the more contacts you get.”

Vintage clothes tell a story and for this, they’re special .  In order to acknowledge this Nook Vintage “encourages its customers to engage with the store and spend hours hunting and rummaging for the perfect thing for their wardrobe”.

Op-shops, it seems, are an ageless market with many different people shopping in them.  So if you haven’t fallen in love with them, then perhaps it’s time to work out what story you want to tell with your clothes, then use op-shops to let this vision shine through.

Nook Vintage Store

Nook Vintage Store

Op-Shop Loving Part One

I love that musky smell you’re hit with when you walk into an op-shop.  I love sifting through the hundreds of different tops, dresses, trousers, shoes and hats.  I love finding new styles and seeing colours that have been long lost since we left the 60s and found black.  I love polka dots.  I love flannel.  I love crochet.  I love soft leather.  I love fake fur.  I love being able to access a world I wasn’t lucky enough to have lived in.  I love vintage and because of that, I love op shops.

Buy a piece of clothing in a chain store and you are given a collection of fibres with no sole, no history and definitely no sexy past.   You are promoting sweatshops; you’re buying child labour and spending your hard-earned cash on threads that practically everyone can get their hands on.

Since the 1990’s there has been a dramatic increase in a demand for op-shops.  Why? Because people are starting to have awareness for a sustainable environment.  It also helped there was a revival in sub-cultures like rockabilly and swing dancing.

There are so many reasons why you should consider shopping in a cluttered and smelly store instead of the shiny pristine gloss of normal retail stores; the clothes are unique, they’re of a better quality, finer materials are used, you get value for money, there is a history in every piece, the detailing and craftsmanship is exquisite, and you’re reducing your carbon footprint.

See, all points hint towards loving and embracing vintage clothing.  Get rid of your annoying brother or sister and use that now free room to stock up on some wonderful pieces of clothes.  If you’re a tight arse like me then you’ll be pleased to know you don’t even need to fork out money for vintage clothing.  All you have to do is raid your parents and grandparents cupboards.

If you just dig a little and learn to rival through an op-shop, then you’ll be amazed at the treasures that you can find.

Live in Melbourne?  Then check out a few of my favourites:

• Nook: 258 Johnston St, Fitzroy
• Recycle Republic: 125 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn
• Vintage Garage: 318 Smith St, Collingwood
• The Pink Shop/The Shop with No Name: 136 Lygon St, Brunswick East

Vintage without the mysterious stains

Have you ever wanted a vintage outfit but you’re scared of where it’s been?  For all you know that perfect dress could have been hiked up during some ‘happy couple fun’, or that cute little tee may have been a temporary mop, even the grandpa hat could have landed on a nit-ridden head.

The good news is if you want fashion without the possibly unknown icky past then vintage bespoke could be your savour.  Melissa Kramer from Thread Den says they only stock Australian-made, independent vintage designers.  They also sell vintage patterns and materials.  This manages to give you the vintage look without the unknown stains.

Of course part of the reason everyone loves vintage clothes is because it’s embedded with history and character, don’t worry vintage bespoke still allows for this.

“All fashion contains a glimpse of the past and I’m not sure it’s possible to create something completely new without a hint of nostalgia.”  The bonus with vintage bespoke is you know exactly where it’s been and whose hands have touched it.

What’s the best thing about vintage bespoke?

“It is the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of knowing that when you find the perfect piece no-one else will have it, and it will express exactly who you are.”

Thread Den finds it’s products from all over the place.  “We find them everywhere and they find us. Friends of our grandmothers, daughters of ladies who love what we’re doing, and lovely locals often drop by with vintage goodies for us.”

Melbourne is full of truly individual and unique people who like to express themselves through their clothes.  It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a one-off limited edition piece, a supporter of Australian-made clothes, avid supporter of small businesses, or just very fashion conscious, the vintage threads at Thread Den will get you giddy with excitement.

But what keeps us coming back for more?

“I often hear people are distressed at the disposable nature of clothes… [people have] a desire to reuse and recycle and appreciate where things come from,” says Kramer.

‘[It also helps that] vintage patterns are so often cut well.  The lines are feminine and flattering, yet simple. Vintage materials also give the piece a feeling of authenticity that you wouldn’t otherwise get.’

If you’re unsure of what era to bounce into then perhaps it’s time to just relax and consider one of Kramer’s favourites.

‘I would say the 1950s inspired clothing suits the female form perfectly. I would be almost convinced this is the best era, but have become somewhat enamored with the deco-era after researching the ’20s and ’30s for our Fitzroy store fit-out. There’s something nonchalant about the flapper dresses and boyish silhouettes that I find quite appealing.’

Vintage darling, is there any other way to go? Especially when you can breathe easy knowing that your outfit has only seen you naked.

Thread Den Store

Thread Den Store